November 2, 2012

Do you “Dropbox?”…….

One of the most helpful apps I have started using over the past year or two is Dropbox. It’s like having a personal digital storage space in the ‘cloud’. So how do you use Dropbox? and why would you use Dropbox?

You can download the Dropbox software onto almost any device, whether it be a laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone. I have Dropbox on my iPhone, iPad and laptop. I also have it installed on Gilly’s DynaVox Maestro. Having Dropbox installed in all these places means that I can access any digital media or files that I put into Dropbox on any of these devices at anytime AND without having to email myself attachments or copy things to a USB thumb drive.

Some examples of things I ‘store’ in my Dropbox include photos, presentations, PDFs of newsletters and worksheets, even video clips of Elmo or Veggie Tales. Take a look at the ‘magic pocket’ that is Dropbox:

Dropbox relies on a WiFi connection to sync and access files amongst various devices, but there is a way to access a much needed file when you are not connected to WiFi. If you ‘star’ /tag a file that you may need offline as a ‘favorite,‘ you can access that file offline. For example, a favorite Elmo clip can be accessible and playable at that time when you need it most and there’s no WiFi for youtube or accessing all of your Dropbox files from the ‘cloud.’

Another handy thing you can do with Dropbox is to store a library of PDF worksheets for your child or any user. Children with autism and other special needs may benefit from multiple practice when completing handwriting, math or reading worksheets. Instead of having to make multiple paper copies practice, you can use your iPad or tablet. By using a PDF annotation app, such as Notability, GoodReader, or PDF-notes you can mark up and write on PDF files. These annotation apps contain pen, marker, and highlighter tools that you can use to trace on top of the PDF for multiple practice.

This video shows a user modifying a PDF with PDF-notes:

So do you “Dropbox?” If you don’t yet…you will love it. (Click here to get started: http://db.tt/zmYc7zrx and we will both get extra storage space for our Dropbox). 2.0 GB is included for FREE to get started with when you install Dropbox.

~KVS

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11.